Lever catch or holder



May 13, 1924. 1,494,118

E. B. KAISER LEVER CATCH 0R HOLDER Filed June '7. 1923 Elmer E. Kaiser Patented May 13, 1924..

cases it ELMER B. KAISER, OF THREE OAKS, IMICHIGAN.

LEVER carer: on HOLDER.

Application filed June 7, 1923. Serial No. fi l-1 009.

To a]! whom it may concern Be it known that l. Emma ll. Kai'snn, a citizen of the United States, residing at Three Oaks. county of l'lerrien. State of Michigan. have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Lever Catches or l'lolders, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to improvements in lever catches or holders.

My iim'nrovements are especially adapted by me and I have illustrated the same as I have embodied them for holding the clutch levers of l ordson tractors. ments are, however, desirable and readily adapted for use in other relations.

The main object of the invention is to provide an improved lever holding device which is automatically engaged by the actuation of the lever and may be released by manipulation of the lever and at the same time is very secure.

Further objects, and objects relating to structural details will definitely appear from the detailed description to follow.

I accomplish the objects of my invention by the devices and means described in the following specification. The invention is clearly defined and pointed out in the claims.

A structure which is a preferred embodiment of my invention is clearly illustrated in the accompanying drawing, forming a part of this application, in which:

Fig. l is a. fragmentary side elevation of a Fordson tractor having my improved lever holder mounted thereon. I

Fig. ll is a detail section on a line corresponding to line 22 of Fig. I, the lever being shown in unlocked position by full lines and in locked position by dotted lines.

Fig. Ill is a detail view corresponding to that of Fig. l. showing the lever on its return movement with the lever locking arm in lever releasing position.

In the drawing similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the several views.

Referring to the drawing, 1 represents the body of a Fordson tractor and 2 the clutch lever thereof. These parts are shown more or less conventionally.

My improved lever holding device or retaining means comprises a bracket 3 adapted to be mounted on one of the bolts 4 provided for the pulley shaft supporting bracket 5 usually present on Fordson trac- My improvetors. The bracket 3 may be mounted in other relations and it will be understood will be modified to meet the particular requirements of the position in which it was mounted. V

The lever holding arm 6 is pivoted at 7 upon the bracket 3 and is provided with a hook 8 adapted to engage the lever as indicated by dotted lines in Fig. II. The arm is provided with an inclined face 9 which is engaged by the lever 2 on the forward movement thereofso that the arm is swung to one side, allowing the lever to pass the bill of the hook when the arm swings back to engage the hook.

A spring 10 urges the arm to engaging position. To release the lever I provide a catch'll pivoted on the bracket at 12 to be engaged by the lever on the continued forward novement thereof, the catch having an inclined surface 13 coacting with an inclined surface 14- on the arm so that when the catch is forced down the arm is forced laterally, thus swinging the arm to lever releasing position, the arm being provided with a keeper 15 with which the catch engages for holding the arm in releasing position. On the return movement of the lever it engages the inclined end 16 of the bill of the hook, moving the arm laterally so that the catch is disengaged from the keeper, the catch being returned by the spring 17 so that when the lever 52 passes the arm the arm is swung back to normal position by its spring 10.

The bracket is provided with a stop 18 forthe arm and with a stop 19 for the catch.

With the parts thus arranged, the lever is very elitectively retained and at the same time may be quickly released by manual manipulation.

l have illustrated and described my improvements. in a simple and practical embodiment thereof. I have not attempted to illustrate or describe certain modifications or adaptations which I contemplate, as I believe the disclosure made will enable those skilled in the art to which my invention relates to embody or adapt the same as may be desired.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is:

1. The combination with a lever, of a retaining means therefor comprising a supporting bracket, an arm pivotally mounted on said bracket and provided with a lever ill) engaging hook, said arm having an inclined face adapted to be engaged by the lever on the forward movement thereof whereby the arm is swung to one side permitting the hook to engage, a spring for actuating said arm to engaging position, a catch for holding said arm in lever releasing position pivotally mounted on said bracket to be engaged by the said lever on the continued forward movement thereof from hook engaging position, said catch and lever being provided with inclined coacting surfaces whereby when the catch is actuated by the lever the arm is swung to releasing position, the arm being provided with a keeper with which said catch engages when the arm is swung to releasing position, the bill of the hook being provided with an inclined surface engaged by the lever on its return stroke whereby the arm is actuated to release the catch, and a return spring for said catch, said bracket being provided with stops for said arm and catch.

1 2. The combination with a lever, of a retaining means therefor comprising a supporting bracket, an arm pivotally mounted on said bracket and provided with a lever engaging hook, said arm having an inclined face adapted to be engaged by the lever on the forward movement thereof whereby the am is swung to one side permitting the hook to engage, and a catch for holding said arm in lever releasing position pivotally mounted on said bracket to be engaged by the said lever on the continued forward movement thereof from hook engaging position, said catch and lever being provided with inclined coacting surfaces whereby when the catch is actuated by the lever the arm is swung to releasing position, the arm being provided with a keeper with which said catch engages when the arm is swung to releasing position, the bill of the hook being provided with an inclined surface engaged by the lever on its return stroke whereby the arm is actuated to release the catch.

3. The combination with a lever, of a retaining means therefor comprising a pivoted arm provided with a lever engaging hook adapted to be engaged with the lever on the forward movement thereof, a spring for actuating said arm to engaging position, a catch pivotally mounted to be engaged by the said lever on the continued forward movement thereof, adapted to actuate said arm and retain it in lever releasing position, said arm being provided with a part engaged by the lever on the return movement thereof whereby the said catch is released, and a return spring for said catch.

In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal.

ELMER B. KAISER. [1,. s.] 

